I DEDICATE THIS VOLUME TO
CAPT. J. B. WHITE,
FORT WAYNE, IND.,
MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM FORT WAYNE, WHO, AS A MERCHANT, SOLDIER, AND LEGISLATOR, HAS PROVED HIMSELF A TYPICAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SCOT IN AMERICA, WHILE HIS ACTIVE INTEREST IN EVERYTHING RELATING TO THE LAND OF HIS BIRTH SHOWS THAT IT STILL RETAINS HIS REVERENT LOVE.

Preface

In the following pages I have gathered together several articles concerning Scotland and Scotsmen which are likely to be read with some interest on this side of the Atlantic. The first article is a reproduction, with considerable additions, of an essay written for the Canadian-American of Chicago, and some of the others have appeared, in whole or in part, in the Scottish-American of New York. While a representative Scot in the present day has shown to the world what triumphant democracy has accomplished, it may not be out of place for another Scot to indicate how much his countrymen have assisted in bringing about that triumph, and also to demonstrate that, whether under the Stars and Stripes in the United States, or beneath the Union Jack in the Dominion of Canada, Scotsmen have taken, and are taking, an active part in all the movements that are designed to maintain the religious and political freedom of the people and to promote their material and intellectual progress.

In connection with the article on the Union of 1707 I have reprinted in full the text of the famous Treaty. This important document is more talked about than read at the present (lay, but, as it is the charter on which the modern liberties of Scotland are based, it is deserving of being closely studied and thoroughly understood by every one for whom the history of Scotland has any attraction.

It has several times been suggested to me that the publication of these articles would prove acceptable to Scotsmen and their descendants, and in the hope that the suggestion is a wise one I send forth this little volume.

PETER ROSS.
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY, 1889.

Contents

The Scot in America
The Scot Abroad
Scottish Characteristics - Persevering, Ambitious, Logical, Thoughtful
Some More Characteristics - Religious, Poetic, Brave, Honest, Conservative
Scottish Anniversaries and Holidays
Scottish Superstitions
Scottish Sports
Robert Burns and Freemasonary
The Union Treaty
Noblemen I have known